KRISS Develops a Standard Test Method for Acute Phototoxicity of Nanomaterials used in Sunscreen Cosmetics

2025-01-29

The Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science (KRISS), in collaboration with the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), has developed a standard test method for acute phototoxicity of nanomaterials used in sunscreen cosmetics and registered it as an international standard.

Sunscreens contain nanomaterials such as zinc oxide (ZnO), titanium dioxide (TiO₂), and silicon dioxide (SiO₂). When these nanomaterials react with ultraviolet (UV) light, they generate reactive oxygen species (ROS). The strong oxidizing power of ROS can damage biological tissues and cause skin problems. Therefore, it is crucial to measure the phototoxicity caused by the reaction of nanomaterials with UV light. Previously, there was no standardized test method for measuring the phototoxicity of nanomaterials. Phototoxicity refers to the toxic reaction induced in biological tissues when a specific substance is exposed to light.

The joint research team developed a standardized analytical method to measure the phototoxicity of nanomaterials according to UV exposure and registered it as the international standard (ISO 4962 test method). This test method measures the survival rate of cultured skin cells by directly exposing them to nanomaterials and irradiating them with UV light at 10-minute intervals.

Dr. Min-Beom Heo in the Nano-Bio Measurement Group at KRISS, said, "We will establish reliable evaluation criteria so that nanomaterials can be used safely not only in cosmetics but also in various industries and throughout society."

Source: https://www.hellodd.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=105835